EMS Mobile Simulation Laboratory

About the EMS Mobile Simulation Laboratory

The Mobile Simulation Lab is a free educational resource available to EMS and fire personnel across Indiana, and it is considered one of the most immersive EMS training tools in the state. For many years, it was a repurposed ambulance but now is a trailer designed to simulate high-fidelity EMS simulations. High-fidelity simulation provides instructors with the ability to expose students and seasoned EMS personnel to real-world situations in a safe environment.

The program has multiple human patient simulators. "Hal" is the primary human patient simulator manikin used. This high-fidelity adult manikin resembles a 30- to 40-year-old man and can talk to students and responders, respond to them and receive common EMS invasive procedures, such as intubation, IV and IO accessibility, needle and surgical cricothyrotomy, and defibrillation and needle decompression. Hal can be programmed to create scenarios needed to practice most medical situations.

Other manikins available include:

• Pediatric Hal, a high-fidelity pediatric manikin with similar features as the adult Hal. It can be programmed with medical and trauma scenarios too.
• The Trauma Hal is a high-fidelity trauma manikin used for trauma injuries and Stop the Bleed training, and it can be programmed to many trauma-related scenarios.
• Noelle is the high-fidelity OB/GYN birthing simulation manikin, which helps practice childbirth scenarios and can be used along with the high-fidelity neonatal baby for neonatal resuscitation.

Additional training aids include a field ultrasound device that can be used with Hal to look for internal injuries, IV training arms, a needle decompression chest simulator and both pediatric and adult airway heads.

Sim Lab Flyer

Sim Lab Flyer

Requesting the Sim Lab

The Sim Lab is available during standard business hours, and it may also be available weeknights or weekends, subject to request approval. You can request the lab via email at esimlab@dhs.in.gov. You can also look up availability of the lab through the Acadis Portal. In Acadis, under Academy Resources, select Browse or Request Rentable Resources, scroll to and select Mobile Sim Lab, then select dates on the calendar to view hours of availability.

• The Sim Lab is available to all levels of EMS certification, anywhere in the state of Indiana. It can be used for organizations, EMS classes, continuing education or other events.
• An electronic copy of the requesting agency’s protocols would be very helpful in developing scenarios, as medications and permitted procedures vary all over the state.
• The simulation coordinator will contact the requestor to confirm the dates and discuss simulation options.

Training Efficacy

The IDHS EMS Division's goal is to provide the best EMS simulation training possible. To improve training, participants are encouraged to email esimlab@dhs.in.gov with feedback.